Sri V. Subrahmanyam (Vocal)
Palai Sri . C. K. Ramachandran (Vocal)
Sangeetha Rathnakara Sri M. Chandrasekharan (Violin)
Sangeetha Rathnakara Guruvayoor Sri Dorai (Mridangam)
Madrimangalam Sri Swaminathan (Mridangam)
The duo began with Siddi Vinayakam in Shanmukhapriya ragam. I was not ready for such a rare treat. Right from the onset they exemplified the Semmangudi school in all respects, which included rendition of the kriti, speed, kalpana swarams, down to the very traditional nasal tone that made Semmmangudi who he was. The main piece was in ragam Khambhoji O Rangashayahi. The development of the ragam was pure and pristine. The understanding between the older Sri Subramaniam and the younger Sri Ramachandran was wonderful.
Violin accompaniment was at its best. Sri Chandrasekharan in all his grace was supportive bringing out all the nuances of the ragam and the kriti. The vocal duo kept prodding him to play a little more after every raga elaboration. They themselves wanted more. One can imagine how the audience felt.
The percussion team of Sri Gurvayoor Dorai and Madrimangalam Swaminathan was just out of this world. They did thorough justice to the Palani school. An elaborate thani in Khambhoji was rendered with both artists sharing equal time. Both showed of their strengths in layam and nadam. The technique was immaculate and all its grandeur they sounded like one with no lapses or slips.
The best concert I attended in the 4 days I stayed in Cleveland. I would definitely give this concert a 2 thumbs up and a full 5 stars. This is of course my opinion and I very well know opinions vary. I did not keep a detailed list of the songs. If someone has it please post.